Edema, also known as oedema, dropsy and hydropsy, is an accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues, which leads to swelling. Although edema can occur in any part of your body, it usually affects the hands, ankles, legs and feet. About 4.4 million people in the U.S. suffer from edema. Common signs and symptoms of edema include swelling, puffiness, stretched or shiny skin, and dimpling of the skin after being pressed for a few seconds.
Mild cases of edema may result from sitting or staying in one position for many hours, a surgical procedure, high salt intake, malnutrition, insect bites, premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy.
# Apple Cider Vinegar- Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink it twice daily.
- Another option is to soak a towel in a mixture of equal amounts of warm water and apple cider vinegar.
- Wrap the towel on the affected area for several minutes. Do this a few times daily.
# Tea Tree Oil- To treat edema due to insect bites or stings, put a few drops of tea tree oil on a cotton swab and apply it on the affected area. Wait for a few minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Repeat as needed.
- For mild edema cases, add a few drops of tea tree oil to any carrier oil and use it to massage the affected area using outward strokes. Follow this remedy 2 times daily for a few days until the swelling and pain are gone.
# Salt Bath- Mix 2 cups of Epsom salt in warm bathwater.
- Soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Repeat up to 3 times a week.
# Coriander Seeds- Mix 3 tablespoons of coriander seeds in 1 cup of water.
- Heat it to a boil, then simmer until the water reduces by half.
- Strain and allow it to cool.
- Drink this 2 times a day until the symptoms are gone.
# Flax Seeds- Add ½ teaspoon of ground flax seeds to a glass of warm water. Drink it 2 times daily.
- Another option is to massage the affected area with flax seed oil a few times daily.